CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Magnification demo

Last night had transparent skies but not so steady. With my 4 inch f/15, no luck with E or F in the Trapezium and no joy on the "Pup". The 4th star of Sigma Orionis was harder than I expecded confirming unsteady air. So I decided to play with magnification and see the results. Best view of the dim star was with 9mm/166X. Using my favorite 4.8mm Nagler at 312X the star was 100% invisable. Good demonstration that correct magnification for the conditions is paramount for dim doubles.Bill

It's dispiriting just how detrimental poor seeing can be to doubles and conversely just how flattering in good conditions. There have been a few nights this past winter where either a 26 or 20mm ocular were about max for stellar clarity before bloating or disappearance became evident.